Drunk History

Derek Waters brings his hilarious web series to comedy central, with bigger production values and entertainers replacing historians as the drunken storytellers. The two episodes I've seen of Drunk History are some of the most hilarious and entertaining television I've ever seen. The premise is actors/writers/comedians get drunk and tell a story from history, and the scenes described and narrated are acted out. So far, my favorite was where Adam Scott played John Wilkes Booth in the recreation of the Lincoln assassination. Some recognizable names play some of the historical figures; Jack Black was great as Elvis, Dave Grohl as Elivs's lackey, Jonathan Ames, Adam Scott, and Will Forte as Junius, John Wilkes and Edwin Booth, and Fred Willard as 'Deep Throat' in the recreation of the Watergate scandal. The funniest part, to me, is the dialogue the drunken historians give the historical figures that the actors then lip sync. I could use a bit less of the storyteller's vomiting...though, I'm aware that usually goes over well with comedy central's young male demographic. This series has great potential, and I hope it will find the success it deserves.

Wow. I'm normally a bit hypersensitive to "make-work" programs for talented thespians, and "Drunk History" could sorta be described that way.

But it somehow comes off like a genuine labor of love. And, for that, I can forgive a lot of things.

And, speaking of things needing forgiveness, what else may need to be forgiven in these productions of "Drunk History"?

Not much, if'n you asks me! The production is excellent; the adaptation of the drunken interviews to screen action is ingenious. Skilled folks are brought to the task of polishing up the final product. The sound and camera work are fine. The selection of lively targets of inebriation and exhortation to hold forth lovingly (if a bit sloppily) on fascinating bits of history seems inspired.

I've seen 6 of the produced episodes, and they're all winners. There are typically 3 segments per episode, which is impressive; this represents a lot of hard work! Maybe not every segment scintillates, in my mind, but each show has at least 3 or 4 "wow" moments, which make the shows well, well worth watching, in my book.

Check it out. If you're a history buff, you might find yourself secretly wishing Derek Waters would come a-knockin' on your door, with camera crew in tow, offering *you* an opportunity to dip our toes in yet-another limpid pool of "Drunk History"!

The title says it all: a drunk person will tell you his version of some of the best pieces of American history. This is as honest as can be. And it's funny!

There are things only drunk people will say, and this show is all about that: what if we put drunk people's thought in a sober people mouth? Furthermore, what if we put it in historically famous people's mouths? Add to the mix a fairly famous cast (on the sober side) and comedy central's budget, and the result is deliciously funny

If the semi-incoherent babbling of drunk people gets on your nerves, if you expect some high level third degree intellectual Monty Pythonnesque humor or if you can't condone making fun of American symbols like Abraham Lincoln or Rosa Parks, then this show is not for you, but then again, you ought to ask yourself :"what was i expecting from a show called drunk history?"

In a few words, let's not kid ourselves and let's take the show for what it is: a funny idea like the ones you get when you're drunk with your friends put together by people who have the talent to make it funny.

Well done comedy central, and well done Derek Waters.

as my summary states, unfortunately on my own behalf... i can attest to the multitude of drunken states of our narrators. i am and always have been (at least of the comprehensible age) been "that drunk guy". the thing that makes me love this show so damn much, the drunker i get... the smarter i feel, the more i know, the absolute truth comes from deep within.

i get a good giggle out of the naysayer that claims "oh it's staged", i might be a drunkard but i am not naive. sure enough the script is read in a relatively sober state, and drunken context is added. right up until "the i'm feelin' so good, it's bad" state of inebriation. i do not doubt for a second if a gentlemen showed up with a quality fifth of scotch, asked me to polish it off and then "read this" that i would more than likely spit out some quality comedy gold.

this show, with the wonderful acting and pantomiming is without a doubt the funniest show on TV. it will only gain in greatness if, and when, it branches out into the international circuit of this amazing planet. just imagine the wonderful accents! cheers my friends, drinks up to a good evening.

The premise of "Drunk History" is simple. You have someone sit down and talk about important historical moments in American history....but first you get them drunk and keep them drinking throughout the episode. As they (often) terribly narrate history, various actors (often very famous folks) act out the history and spew the profanity-laden dialog.

At times, this show is very funny. But, other times the humor is very thin. Much of this seems to depend on the narrator as well as how drunk they get. Because of this it's very hit or miss. Now here's the weird part, generally the history they spout is correct-- and filled with interesting tidbits. I say generally because although IMDb says it's all 100% true, it isn't (trust me on this, I am a retired history teacher and have spotted a few flaws and urban legends). But it IS as accurate as many of the History Channel shows...and it's often funny. Overall, I see this as a great show to watch if you just want a time-passer--a show that required little in the way of deep thinking or if you're doing something else at the same time.